2015 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Jumps to 45 MPG on Highway

Volkswagen unveiled the latest updates to its popular VW Jetta line at this year's New York International Auto Show.  The car will get a few minor styling tweaks, but what interests us are the improvements under the hood—where fuel efficiency counts.

The TDI diesel variant of the Jetta will be updated, earning an efficiency boost of 2 mpg in the city and 3 mpg on the highway.  Expected EPA numbers for the 2015 Jetta TDI are 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway—and 37 mpg combined.  At the same time, the TDI’s 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder EA288 Clean Diesel engine will be more powerful, increasing output from 140 horsepower to 150 horsepower. Faster and more efficient...not a bad deal.

These improvements come from less engine friction and better thermal management, thanks to new coolant loops—as well as automatic radiator grill shutters, which give a boost to aerodynamics. 

It’s evidence that diesel continues to catch up with hybrid technology—especially considering that the gasoline and hybrid powertrains for the Jetta will remain the same for 2015.  (All the models will get more aerodynamic head and tail lamps.) There will also be a number of new options available for the car, including daytime LED lamps, chrome trim and new driver assistance features, as well as updates to its infotainment system, steering wheel, and control clusters.

The Jetta’s impressive new diesel beats the combined fuel economy of the turbocharged gas engine by 7 mpg—a 23 percent difference—lagging behind only the hybrid version of the car, which is still the king at 45 mpg combined city-highway efficiency. The TDI has proved to be far more popular than the Jetta Hybrid, which launched in 2013.  The Jetta TDI remains the most popular clean diesel in the United States.  The Jetta line as a whole is also VW’s most popular on the American market. 

The 2015 Jetta is scheduled to hit the market in the fall, though pricing details are yet to be announced.  Currently, the base gas-fueled Jetta retails for $16,895 while the most affordable TDI trim will set you back $23,625.  The Jetta Hybrid costs a little more, starting at $25,560, perhaps explaining why it hasn't sold as well.  One other note: the Sportwagen, which has been a Jetta, will now join VW’s Golf model lineup.